Bathtub Refinishing Cost in Columbus, OH [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $502 - $913

Most homeowners spend about $695 to refinish a bathtub in Columbus, Ohio. Depending on the material, size, and type, prices range between $502 and $913. A bathtub refinishing pro can walk you through the process.

How we get this data
Parent drying off child after a bath
Getty Images 613765106 / iStock Photography / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Parent drying off child after a bath
Getty Images 613765106 / iStock Photography / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Cost Insights
  • There has been a rise in urban renewal in Columbus, but there are still a number of older or historic homes that can benefit from bathtub refinishing.

  • Refinishing projects require extra care during Columbus’ humid summers and cold winters, so it’s best to hire a pro.

  • Although the costs are higher than the national average in Columbus, an ROI of 47% still makes bathtub refinishing a worthwhile project.

Bathtub refinishing is a budget-friendly job that can spruce up a bathroom. While the cost of living there is relatively affordable, you can expect bathtub refinishing costs in Columbus to be 35% higher than the national average. This comes out to a range between $502 and $913, with an average of $695. Regardless, this project has big returns. Find out how much it will cost based on factors like your tub material, the refinishing method, and more.

Bathtub Refinishing Cost Factors 

If you live in a historic home in the city or your bathroom is due for an update, tub refinishing is a task worth considering. These main cost factors will help you plan your bathtub refinishing project in Columbus, Ohio. 

Bathtub Refinishing Costs by Material 

The type of tub matters when budgeting for a refinishing job. There are four main types of tubs: fiberglass, porcelain, cast iron, and enamel. Here’s a breakdown of bathtub refinishing costs based on tub material:

  • Fiberglass: Fiberglass bathtubs are the most costly to refinish, at $400–$1,350. This finicky material requires more maintenance and takes longer to get a smooth finish. 

  • Porcelain: A porcelain tub is made from a thin layer of porcelain over cast iron or steel. Older tubs made entirely of porcelain need professional maintenance. Refinishing a porcelain tub costs $475–$825, and antique claw-foot porcelain tubs cost $675–$1,625.

  • Cast iron: Like a porcelain tub, refinishing a cast-iron tub costs about $475–$825. Before fiberglass tubs, cast iron was the standard tub material. With proper care and maintenance, a cast-iron tub can last 100 years or more. 

  • Enamel: Enamel is a coating made from porcelain or hard glass and is found on steel and cast-iron tubs. Refinishing an enamel coating on a tub averages $475–$825

Tub MaterialAverage CostProsCons
Fiberglass$400–$1,350Most pros are experienced with fiberglassHigh cost
Porcelain$475–$825Makes the porcelain look like new Requires professional help
Antique porcelain$675–$1,625Fixes small chips while preserving the antique finishNecessary to find a refinisher with experience working with this material
Cast iron$475–$825Once refinished, this tub will last a long timeCleaning with nonabrasive materials is key to preventing damage
Enamel$475–$825You can update the color of the tubHarsh chemicals are required for the process

Bathtub Type

The type of bathtub plays a factor in the overall cost. A general rule of thumb is that the more surface area a tub has, the higher the bathtub resurfacing costs will be.

Inset tubs are the least expensive to refinish because they only have one exterior side, but shower tubs are more expensive due to the wall surface area. Freestanding and claw-foot bathtubs are the most costly due to their deeper interior size and exterior surface area.

Type of BathtubAverage Cost
Claw-foot tub$550–$1,900
Tub-shower combination$825–$1,350

Method 

The method of bathtub refinishing you choose will significantly impact the cost. For example, installing a bathtub liner costs $3,675 to $13,875. Consider the overall cost, longevity of the repair, and type of damage when choosing the best plan for your tub. 

5 types of damages found in bathtubs illustrated, including chips, gouges, and cracks

Here are the key differences between a bathtub inlay, bathtub reglazing, and a bathtub liner: 

Bathtub InlayBathtub ReglazingBathtub Liner
$125–$275$375–$825$3,675–$13,875
Covers the bottom of the tub onlyChemicals include dangerous fumesCan grow mildew if not fitted correctly
Best for small chips or cracksBest for cracks, rust, and chipsBest option if your tub is beyond repair
Can be installed in as little as 30 minutesCan take 2–5 hours to installInstalls take 1–2 days
Permanent Lasts 10–15 yearsLasts 3–5 years

Bathtub Refinishing Pro Costs

Plan for these costs for labor when hiring a bathtub refinisher in Columbus, Ohio.

Labor

The good thing about refinishing your bathtub is that the job takes a relatively short amount of time, so labor costs aren’t too high, ranging between $275 and $675. Reglazing your bathtub surfaces takes about three to five hours.

In Columbus, where humidity is high in the summer and temperatures dip from December to February, hiring a professional for refinishing jobs is advisable. Unless you have experience, it’s easier to let a pro handle the details, like using a dehumidifier or heater or adding the right reducer to the chemicals to ensure proper curing.

Does Bathtub Refinishing Increase Home Value?

Refinishing your bathtub has a return on investment (ROI) of about 47%, meaning your dollar will go far. Not only does refinishing elevate the look of your tub and bathroom, it also lengthens your tub’s lifespan. This project costs a fraction of replacing a bathtub, so it could be right for you. 

If your bathtub is currently in poor shape with stains, chips, cracks, or other signs of wear and age, not fixing it could make your home less desirable. If you plan on putting your house on the market, refinishing your tubs could be the way to go. 

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

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